Anxiety Disorders In Children

Unfortunately, anxiety disorders in children are very common. If not treated early, it can lead to loss of self esteem, susceptibility to alcohol and drug use, and anxiety disorder in adulthood.

Anxiety disorder in children is a mental disorder. But it's not just a single disorder. Anxiety disorders include a group of disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, social phobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Anxiety disorder in children is not the same as bipolar disorder.

Separation anxiety disorders in children is not an aberration. It is normal for a child to feel anxiety when separated from the safety and comfort of parents. A child suffering from separation anxiety order will cling to his parent, cry, or throw a tantrum when he feels distress. Children suffering from anxiety disorder also often have trouble falling asleep by themselves at night and will want to crawl into bed with their parents. Other symptoms of separation anxiety disorder are dizziness, nausea, and palpitations. Often, separation anxiety disorders in children is accompanied with the child feeling depressed or sad.

Generalized anxiety disorder in children manifests itself with the child worrying excessively about every little thing in their lives. It is chronic and excessive. Generalized anxiety disorder in children can often be seen in children who are perfectionists. They will do the same task over and over again because of the anxiousness of it not being quite perfect.

Social phobia anxiety disorder in children does not usually start before the age of ten. These are kids that have an overriding sense of fear in social situations where they may be embarrassed. They become excessively nervous when public speaking, often to the point of having palpitations and sweating. This is something that many children outgrow. But if not treated early, it may lead to adult psychological problems such as alcoholism, drug use, and possibly suicide.

Obsessive compulsive disorder in children is recognized by a child compulsively repeating behaviors. It may be hand-washing, fingernail biting, compulsive cleaning, and so on.

Effective Therapies Treat Anxiety Disorders In Children

Anxiety disorders in children can be treated effectively so the children learn to cope with their fears and worries early. Some fears and worries are normal reactions to different situations on occasion. Anxiety disorders in children are fears or worries that are unwarranted and often constant. Parents should discuss any abnormal or strange anxiety disorders in their child with medical professionals who should help them evaluate the problem.

All children will feel anxiety at times. Problems occur when anxiety interferes with the normal activities of a child. If the child cannot go to school or play with other children because of anxiety, this problem must be looked at carefully. The parents and the medical professionals should determine if the anxiety is normal behavior for the child. An anxiety that makes the child extremely restless for an extended period of time is a problem that should be treated by experienced child psychologists or pediatricians. Any child who has shortness of breath or heart palpitations because of a fear needs to see an experienced and trained professional as soon as possible.

Mental Disorders, Depression, And AnxietyApproximately 18% of the adult population of the U.S. suffers from anxiety, depression, or some form of mental disorder. A look at the statistics for anxiety disorders in young children showing that from 5 to 20 percent of all children suffer from some form of anxiety disorder.